Intramotev, developer of the TugVolt autonomous battery-electric railcar, has appointed Ray Betler, former Wabtec President and CEO, as an Independent Director for its Board.
“Ray began his career as a Propulsion Systems Design Engineer at Westinghouse, where he rose to become the youngest Head of Engineering and later President and CEO in the company’s 120-year history,” Intramotev reported March 12. He joined Wabtec in 2008, becoming COO, then President and CEO. During his tenure, Betler led Wabtec’s global operations, directed the strategic acquisition of Faiveley Transport, and led the company through its merger with GE Transportation, which was completed in early 2019. This doubled Wabtec’s size to more than $8 billion in revenue and 27,000 employees worldwide and secured the company’s place in the Fortune 500, noted Intramotev, which describes itself as “the first company in the world to commercially deploy autonomous freight railcars.” Betler retired from Wabtec in summer 2019; he was succeeded by Rafael Santana, who had been President and CEO of GE Transportation prior to the merger.
“Betler’s appointment comes as Intramotev continues to demonstrate real-world impact for customers,” the St. Louis-based manufacturer said. “In 2025, the company moved over 350,000 tons of material for customer Carmeuse Americas. In February of 2026, Intramotev began a commercial deployment with Watco, one of the largest short line railroad holding companies in North America.”
“Ray has spent his career at the forefront of rail innovation,” Intramotive CEO Tim Luchini commented. “He’s led global organizations through times of transformation, and having his experience at Intramotev will be invaluable as we continue to grow.”
“Intramotev’s technology is already delivering measurable results for customers, and it’s clear the company has only scratched the surface of what’s possible,” Ray Betler noted. “I look forward to supporting the team as they expand adoption of a technology our industry truly needs.”
Separately, rail industry veteran Harry Zander joined Intramotev last spring as Chief Commercial Officer.
